The former custodian of the Njelele shrine Solufa Ncube, popularly known as Khulu Thobela, has died.

Chief Masuku, whose jurisdiction coveres the sacred shrine, confirmed that Ncube died after a long illness last Monday.

Njelele is situated at Matobo in Kezi, Matabeleland South province.

The shrine has since time immemorial been used by people from various parts of the country and abroad for rainmaking ceremonies and healing of various ailments that affected their communities.

In 2018 the sacred Njelele rainmaking shrine in Matobo district was allegedly bombed by yet to be identified people.